Central Track Staff
Live And Die.
If your Thursday night doesn't turn out to be a party, well, you must have done something wrong. Aside from being maybe the biggest party night of any given week, this one seems primed to be especially gifted in that department.
For one thing, just check out the sheer volume of goings on that we've done you the service of listing below. Pay extra close attention and you'll notice that at least four of the musical acts performing around town this evening have the word “party” right there in their names.
Do we really have to keep spelling it out for you? — Cory Graves
The Avett Brothers at Verizon Theatre
No matter that the cute indie folkers roll through Dallas at least a couple times every year, the Brothers Avett never have trouble selling tickets to their shows. Already this year the brothers sold out at two-night swing at the 3,000 capacity South Side Ballroom. That's no small feat. More reasons to head to this one? Old Crow Medicine Show is opening, for one. Oh, and there's always a chance you might see Dirk Nowitzki there. Dude's a huge fan. — CG
Knife Party at The Bomb Factory
Australian electronic duo Knife Party has gathered quite a following since forming four years ago. Ranked No. 53 on DJ Magazine's Top 100 DJs poll, any enthusiast will want to check out this 3K deep dance party. — Diamond Victoria
Wild Party at The Flying Saucer
The Killers-by-way-of-Strokes charm of that Wild Party's debut single, “Take My Advice,” was infectious…sure, these guys may be from San Antonio now. But they basically got their starts here in Dallas. Which is worth noting because, based off the strength of the band's fab first album, it sounds like they're going to be going plenty of places from here. — Pete Freedman
War Party, Nervous Curtains, Ghost Bones at Three Links
Fort Worth garage staple War Party makes an infrequent Dallas appearance, this time in support of Arkansas mutant-disco act Ghost Bones. As if that weren't enough, we've been told this will be Nervous Curtains' last show until its album comes out later this year. — Evan Henry
Puddles Pity Party at Kessler Theater
Remember that golden-voiced “sad” clown that went viral covering Lorde's “Royals” on YouTube a couple years ago? Welp, turns out his name is Puddles and, other than when he's singing, he's mute. That'd probably bum you out, too. — CG
Dizzy Wright at Trees
Come to Trees to check out a young rapper with more on his mind than money and marijuana. With a story much like legendary rapper Tupac's, Dizzy Wright comes from a background of hard work and dedication. At the young age of eight, Dizzy got his start in the hip-hop community and has been grinding ever since, playing this same venue almost a year ago to the date. — Chrissi Chetwood
Jonathan Jackson & Enation at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
Jonathan Jackson isn't just a musician. He also plays one on TV. For three seasons now, Jackson has starred as struggling singer-songwriter and rising superstar producer Avery Barkley on ABC's Nashville. It's a role he earned, though, because of his real-life chops as a guitarist. For more than a decade, the five-time Emmy winner has played a brand of cinematic indie rock with his brother, drummer and fellow actor Richard Lee Jackson, who you might recognize from his stint at Ryan Parker on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and bassist Daniel Sweatt. Together, they perform under the name Enation. Now, thanks to the popularity of Nashville, the trio's scored itself a record deal and found itself playing bigger and bigger stages. And, before the show begins filming its fourth season, Enation's summer tour brings that band to Dallas. For more info on this show, check out our interview with Jonathan here. — CG
Two Tons of Steel at Dan's Silverleaf
By its name alone, Two Tons of Steel is a band I'd want on my side during a fist fight. For what it's worth, this San Antonio-based rockabilly and Texas country hybrid play “louder and faster” than other similar sounding outfits. To wit: you're just as likely to hear an Elvis cover as a Ramones tune at this one. — Chase Whale
Kydd Jones at Dada
Signed at the age 15, Austin rapper Kydd Jones has been going strong ever since. Now in his mid-20s, Jones and friends are touring across the country this summer as part of the “Orchestra Of Minds” tour with a series of crews and similar sounding artists. — EH
R. Ariel, Moth Face at Carnival Barker's
Writer, musician, photographer and videographer R. ariel from Phoenix is currently working on a book titled In North America, highlighting her experiences touring through the country. She'll add to those experiences by playing a live set at Carnival Barker's new Oak Cliff location tonight. — DV
Kathy Griffin at Majestic Theatre
Known for taking over the late Joan Rivers' slot hosting E!'s Fashion Police, and starring in sticoms like Suddenly Susan, D-list actress and comedian Kathy Griffin will show off some of her high-energy stand-up prowess at this one. — Lauren Rushing
The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of The Desert at Granada Theater
Watch as the Granada Theater screens 1994's The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of The Desert, a journey of drag queens travelling across the desert to perform their beloved act of cabaret search of their own true happiness, on the big screen. $3 cover, shots and beer specials accompany the theater's comfy seating and soothing air conditioning. — EH
Jefferson Starship at Gas Monkey Live
Oh sure, “We Built This City” is widely hailed as the worst rock song of all time, but is it really that bad? Even so, these guys are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jefferson Airplane during this current tour, playing songs from every era and name change its endured along the way. So expect to hear actual hits like “Jane,” “Somebody To Love,” “Miracles,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” “Count On Me,” “Find Your Way Back,” “Wooden Ships,” “Today,” “Lather” and “Crown of Creation” in addition to that other infamous number. — CG
Little Downtown Market at 211 N. Ervay
Simply put, there's all manner of cocktails, food stuffs, music and locally-crafted goods to be found at this little pop-up shop. It's up on the 8th floor, where we hear there's plenty of air-conditioning. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
